RUIN

Something is different inside me this morning. My senses have almost completely adjusted and now I can feel an undercurrent of power in the air, like the magic has finally realized who I am and has accepted me. As Grand Maestro, I was always more powerful than other warlocks, but magic always felt… inert. Like I had to wake it to get it to work.

But not anymore.

Now I see it for what it is, a living, throbbing entity, and my fatigue has fled entirely. I'm ready for anything.

These woods feel so thick because the magic's so heavy that it slows everything down. I can't explain it, but despite the darkness surrounding us, and the shivering power in the air, I feel that I am perfectly safe.

And we are close. So close.

It's the fourth morning and I can tell that Magnum is getting bored and Yaris has still managed to avoid Bandit, though probably because Bandit seems to be watching us rather than engaging with us. I think she's tense and out of words. I would be too, if I was her. Yaris has said very little to me about her, but I think he's conflicted and unsure of what to make of her, which is fair. I don't know what to make of her either. Magnum doesn't seem put off by her, but, frankly, Magnum is calm about everything to a fault.

The morning is muggy and hot, making all of us uncomfortable. I can see sweat stains on everyone's shirts—well, except for Magnum. He took his off a little bit ago and it's very hard not to stare. The man is ripped with muscles for miles. I can practically feel my mouth water every time I steal a glance. Is it because he's a demon? Is it his magic? Or is it just raw power? Maybe he got bored in that fortress and worked out all the time. How should I know?

All I know is that the result is… tantalizing.

I force myself to focus and shift, looking forward. I have a light hovering in front of Bandit, who's taken the lead, and it illuminates the green in the darkness. I know it's day, but it looks like night here.

This forest's magic is very particular—very ancient, solemn, but still fresh and lively. It smells like green, and huckleberries and I absently wonder where they are. I can almost taste… something. It's right at the edge of my senses, teasing me. The darkness is disorienting, but that feeling is closer, and I've tensed up, trying to feel it. I want to reach out and grab it, pull it to me so I may know every inch of that feeling.

"Ruin," Yaris says, placing a hand on mine. I'm sitting in front of him on his horse and can nearly hear the frown. "What troubles you?"

The others stop and twist around in their saddles to watch me. Shatterjaw just looks concerned, whereas Magnum is curious, and Bandit… Bandit is looking at me like I am a wonder. Like I know something secret. It's an intense gaze and I tear myself away to look up at Yaris.

"I… feel something," I say slowly. "I don't know how to describe it. But something's changed."

Yaris frowns as a wrinkle forms in his brow. He casts a wide net of magic, trying to understand. After a moment, he shakes his head.

"You are more sensitive than I am, dearest," he says softly. "I cannot feel any difference, but I believe you. What do you want to do?"

I want to follow it, see where it takes me, but Bandit is watching me, her large eyes calm and curious. I look back at her for a long moment.

"We're close, aren't we?" I ask after a long moment, and she nods.

"Yes, dragon rider. We are. This is where I always get turned around."

I consider this and get down off the horse, followed by Yaris. He stays close to my side, tentative and nervous, which, truth be told, just makes me anxious in turn.

My legs are swallowed by shadow as I move through the brush and towards where Bandit sits on her horse. It's a little slow going and I have to step around some thorns and tangled vines in order to reach her without trouble. Bandit gazes at me the whole time, looking curious.

"What are you going to do?" She asks as I stop beside her and cock my head. I think I need Sparks for this.

"It's blood magic," I say, quite certain I'm right and the more I sense it, the more certain I am. "Yes. It's blood magic woven into the natural magic of this area. It's pretty impressive work—as seamless as a tapestry."

I move forward and kneel, looking at the strands of magic which become clearer and clearer as I concentrate. The forest's natural magic is an aqua green and the blood magic is a deep, dark crimson that radiates malice. I think I can unwind them, if I do so very, very carefully. I reach for them and suddenly jolt, pulled out of my focus as Yaris puts his hand on my shoulder. I look him, not sure what to make of his expression.

"What?" I blurt, confused. "What's wrong?"

"What are you doing?" He asks, his eyes wide with concern.

"I'm untangling the magic," I say simply, frowning. "Can't I do that?"

Yaris looks torn and then sighs heavily. He retracts his hand.

"Please. Be careful."

I would say "I always am," but the fact is, I'm really not. So, I just nod.

"Sure," I agree in the vaguest of terms and then turn back to my task, wholly taken by it.

The threads of magical energy stretch out before me as complex and beautiful as the largest tapestry in the Ordeshian palace. The tapestry stretches across the entire throne room and shows the uprising of the Oathblades and how they overthrew the last monarchy. I used to sit and stare at it, trying to absorb every detail, in the long afternoons where I was unbothered, and His Resplendence didn't need anything. Now, as I look at the threads stretching from here down to where I think is a river, I think of that tapestry and how one might undo it.

Ruin, Sparks breathes in my ear, as real as the darkness swallowing us whole, careful, boy. You might hurt yourself and we can't have that.

I snort and tug on one string. It's a bright aqua and it dissipates a moment later, creating a very small hole.

I'm always careful, I tell him.

You're so close now, Sparks sounds… apprehensive. Even I don't know what awaits you. None of us have ever been able to see it—we just know it's here. Keep your wits about you, at all costs.

I sigh impatiently and unravel four more strings, the hole growing.

I know, I say. I know.

There is a tense silence as I unravel more and more, and my fingers start to feel numb. It doesn't matter. Nothing matters but the enchanting task before me. This is it. This is the last barrier to hearing Sparks more often with more clarity. It is the last barrier to starting to put the world to rights, and somehow, I understand this magic on such a fundamental level that I am both fascinated and confused all at once.

I am made for this.

I don't know how long my head has been bent over this particular cluster when Yaris is suddenly near me, demanding my attention.

"Ruin," he says quietly. "You have to stop for now."

I scowl at him .

"I'm working," I snap, though he doesn't deserve it, and he watches me steadily before his lips thin.

"Look at your hands," he says firmly, and I don't know what he means but I look anyway.

They're red with blood. My blood. It looks like I have a hundred cuts over their surfaces, and they bled profusely. I don't feel pain, but I do start in alarm.

"Yaris, I—" I stand up, dismayed and look at him. "I didn't feel it. I don't. I—"

"—shh," he murmurs and pulls me close. "You just need a healing spell. It is all right."

I shiver as he pulls me to his chest, and I hold my hands away from him. Magnum offers me a towel and Shatterjaw pours water over the blood. It vaguely stings but I stay still and wait.

I do indeed, have many, many cuts. They aren't particularly deep, but they do bleed well, my blood soaking into the forest floor. Bandit is suddenly there and pointing at a log.

"Sit," she says crisply, and I can't imagine disobeying so I do exactly as she says. Yaris sits with me, holding me close as she kneels before me, her face kind and open.

"Give me your hands," she says, and I hesitate. It's obvious Yaris doesn't trust her because he stiffens and watches her like a hawk. But this stalemate between them has to end. It's getting ridiculous.

I offer my hands, and she takes them gently. I still can't feel the pain and watch with fascination as she heals me in a single breath. My cuts and blood vanish, and smooth skin is left in the wake of a soft golden glow. I look up at her, amazed.

"That was… incredible!" I exclaim and Shatterjaw is watching with a scowl.

"Yes, well, drink up," Shatterjaw says gruffly and pushes the canteen towards me. Bandit stands and smiles at me before slipping back to her horse. She seems to be more comfortable there. Yaris watches her as I drink, and he looks thoughtful before turning back to me.

"Good?" He asks with a weary smile. Gods. He looks worn to the bone. I really should ask him about that.

I nod and hand the now empty canteen back to Shatterjaw.

"Good. I've got to get back to work," I say and stand. Yaris makes a small noise of concern and grabs at me, pulling me back.

"You need to rest. If only for a little while," he says firmly and I like it when he gets bossy, so I sit in his lap.

"This okay?" I ask with a grin and his little smile is satisfying as fuck.

"Yes," he murmurs and pulls me closer, so I'm smothered in his chest. "There."

He holds me for a long moment, and I look at the gap in the web. By now, it's large enough for me to crawl through, but it would be foolish to go alone, and I feel an itch to keep working. Yaris holds me close and kisses my forehead.

"What are you thinking?" He asks quietly as Magnum cocks his head and pats his horse's neck absently. He seems to concentrate on something and I'm curious.

"I'm thinking I'll have a gap soon," I say and watch the half-demon. "Magnum?"

"Hm?" He looks at me briefly before looking back at the gap.

"What's going on?" I ask gently and he frowns at that.

"It's nothing," he says and shifts uncomfortably, looking uncharacteristically solemn.

"What's nothing?" I prompt, giving him no quarter.

"I can sense dark magic coming from… there." He points at the gap, and I'm impressed he feels anything at all since everyone else seems to be clueless.

I nod.

"Right. The blood magic."

He shakes his head.

"No," he says, worrying his lip. "Blood magic feels neutral to me. It always has. It can be used for good or bad. This feels… darker somehow."

Dark to a demon?

Great.

"Right," I say with a huff. "Great. At least we have Shatterjaw to save us."

Shatterjaw scowls.

"Just a bodyguard," she huffs.

"Nah," I shake my head and grin at her. "Just a badass."

Shatterjaw rolls her eyes and out of the corner of my eye, I see Bandit watching her and smiling secretly to herself. Then I notice that Magnum is watching her too, an amused expression on his face.

"I think I will drop everyone's glamour," Yaris says a moment later. "If there is to be a battle, we need to have all our energy stored."

There's a few nods of agreement and a moment later, the impeccable glamours slide off us and we're all ourselves again. Yaris is so beautiful with his horns and his pink eyes. His auburn curls are thick and move with the stale breeze. I love him this way.

Bandit definitely looks like she's related to him, with similar horns and coloring, though she is smaller than him by a good foot. Shatterjaw is back to her dark haired, dark eyed self, a solemn expression on her face. Magnum's bleach white hair is back, falling in waves on his head. His glowing crimson eyes are unnerving with the cat-like slits as pupils. He's even more enamoring like this and it's hard to look away.

"There," Yaris says, his pink orbs looking me over. He strokes my cheek for a moment. "How do you feel?"

I shrug.

"Ready to work."

Yaris nods.

"Just be careful."

"Thanks, Daddy," I say with a wink and slide off his lap. He huffs with amusement but doesn't correct me .

Something to explore later, when we're safe.

The magic is a siren's song. It feels so familiar to me, so intricate, and so… alive. I want to study it, but now isn't the time. Now's the time to dismantle and destroy.

I find it interesting that Magnum doesn't see blood magic as dark but rather something neutral and I reflect on that as I settle again to work. It's easy to think about that, wonder about it as I get my hands into the tangled web again and start pulling it apart. It's easier now and I can hear… something just beyond this barrier, a broken whisper, a low buzzing, a disjointed melody. I feel an urge to hurry, as if it will leave and I won't be able to see it.

"Ruin."

I jump as Yaris pats my shoulder, and I turn around rapidly.

"What?" I gasp, a bit hopped up. "What's wrong?"

"Your hands," he points, and I look down at them. They're bleeding again. "Is there any way to stop that?"

I frown.

"I don't know," I say with a huff. "I'm making this up as I go along."

"I think he's touching raw magic," Magnum offers. "That's what it smells like anyway."

"‘Smells'…?" Shatterjaw frowns at him and Magnum shrugs.

"It's not my fault your human senses suck ass."

"This human boot is about to end up in your ass," Shatterjaw counters elegantly. Magnum grins.

"Kinky. I like it."

"You're disgusting."

"I know."

"But…" Yaris struggles for a moment, looking at my hands with concern. "Is there not a thing to help?"

Magnum grows serious and shakes his head.

"I'm sorry. Forbearance and Virtue never mentioned this skill. I don't think there's any way to make it stop. "

"I can numb his hands," Bandit says quietly and steps forward. "If you wish."

Yaris swallows and looks back at me and I shrug.

"Really, I'm fine. I don't feel it anyway. But, if you want to help… just know that the more you interrupt me, the longer it will take."

Yaris blushes.

"Are… you telling me to stop bothering you?"

I smile.

"I'm telling you that I appreciate your worry, but you should shove it somewhere else for now."

Yaris rumbles deep in his chest and kisses my hair.

"Alright. I am sorry. I do not mean to get in your way."

"It's fine. It's nice to be cared for," I say and snuggle into him for a few minutes as Bandit heals my hands again. It's probably not necessary but it seems to have everyone on edge, so I indulge them.

When I'm settled in front of the intricate web again, I follow threads through the labyrinth of energy, watching as they cross over and under each other. The blood magic is failing. It's been here for a thousand years and the cracks are spreading, which is good for me, but it feels… stranger as I move along, like it's about to blow up.

I can't imagine how I'm triggering it, so I slow to look. Here, in this dark forest, I can't tell what time it is or how long it's been. All I know is that maybe, maybe Bandit, Shatterjaw, and I could fit through the path I've made, but Magnum and Yaris are too large, let alone the horses. Something buzzes and I look around for a wasp or fly but don't see it.

"What's wrong?" Shatterjaw asks tightly. "Ruin?"

"Uh… do you guys hear that?" I ask, feeling like maybe I fucked up, but am unsure how.

"Hear what?" Yaris asks and he and Shatterjaw exchange a look. But Magnum is stiff and leaning forward, listening intently. I can tell from his look that he knows what I'm talking about .

"Magnum, get your ass over here," I say, thinking he'll be able to help.

Magnum nods and comes over and I watch him intently.

"Just how much do you sense?" I blurt. "Just on a regular basis?"

He gives me a withering look.

"Some other time, Ruin," he says and sits down beside me before gagging. "Holy fuck!"

He turns away and tries not to throw up.

"What?" I gasp, alarmed. "What do you sense?"

"Nothing," he croaks. "Just a little necromancy. Fuck. It's been a century or two. Forgot how bad it smelled. Great demon daddy, that's rank."

He genuinely looks ill and I'm still processing that when Shatterjaw swears—I think? —in Galaen. Whatever she says, she's not happy.

"Magnum, just to clarify," Yaris says evenly. "On top of Fae blood magic, you are saying we will have to contend with necromancy as well?"

"Hey, I'm just telling you what I'm smelling. Don't look at me. Look at my sniffer," he says, starting to even out. His gag reflex is strong. That makes me very briefly wonder about… other things.

Fuck, focus, Ruin.

"Well, fuck this shit," Yaris blurts, pulling at his auburn curls. "What the hells is wrong with my father?"

"Look, we don't know for sure what's there just yet, but it's good we have some warning," Bandit says calmly, hardly put off. "I'll start prepping some cleansing spells. Ruin, keep doing your thing."

"But—" I object, needing a moment to prepare myself for walking corpses.

"Now, Ruin. We really don't have time."

It's a harsh sentiment, but the delivery is gentle. And she's right. We don't.

"Right," I say and look at the magic again. "Right. I almost have it. Just some more pulls and then we're good."

I reach out and pull on a small end of a magical string. It sticks but after another pull, something snaps, and it loosens quickly—too quickly.

"Oh, shit—"

I can't even complete my warning. Everything just goes black—blacker than the blackest ink and it feels like I'm falling, falling, falling forward. Time seems to not matter for an excruciating moment where I can't tell if I've been here for too long or too short because measurements are meaningless. Then I've hit the ground, the impact jarring me down to my very bones. My breath comes in short, panicked bursts and it takes a moment to orient myself.

I notice that it isn't inky black anymore—it's just the dark of the forest. It smells like damp and green, and underbrush pulls at me as I kneel on my hands and knees. I realize that I'm still in the forest. I don't know how much time has passed, but I must have triggered the mechanism that sends people away.

I sit back on my heels and close my eyes, feeling for everyone. It takes longer than I'd like, but I think they're all at least within a mile of me. Yaris is probably freaking out.

I really fucked up. Truly. Royally. Spectacularly.

My hands are cut up again and I hope they stop bleeding as it might attract predators. It feels like Magnum is the closest one, so I gather myself and summon a pale green orb before heading out into the darkness.

This forest is disorienting like some massive labyrinth made by a sadist. I find myself turned around more than once and it's growing increasingly maddening to not be able to tell time. I'm slick with sweat, my clothing feels too hot, and it's somehow stifling, despite the fact that I'm out in the open. That feeling of claustrophobia haunts me reaches for me as I wander alone.

I'm nearing Magnum when I hear something—like a bone breaking, followed by a low groan. A second later, there's a lot of swearing as bones snap again. I'm sure that's Magnum and hurry forward, ready to help.

"Magnum?" I call. "Magnum?"

The brush is thick underneath me as I run towards the nauseating noises. I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't Magnum stretched out on the forest floor, panting as his legs turn blue, then pale white, then his normal deep gold, before snapping green. They change size several times and Magnum is struggling to move, a slave to… whatever is happening.

"Magnum?" I say, not really understanding what's wrong. I move forward and note the sheen of sweat and his pain-filled eyes. He looks uncharacteristically helpless, and as his head snaps up towards me, he seems lost for a long moment, so unlike his confident self.

"Ruin?" He pants. "What… so you're alright?"

I nod and kneel, watching him carefully.

"Yeah. What's… happening?" I frown as he groans again, that snap filling the air.

"What, you've never met a shapeshifter before?"

I suspect it's supposed to be a tease, but it really falls flat. He looks too panicked for anything to be funny right now.

"Shape… what?" I stare at him stupidly. "What do you mean?"

He sighs softly.

"I'm part lust demon. Of course I shapeshift. Though I don't really expect anyone to know," he says and looks truly agonized as an arm snaps at an awkward angle and he cries out. "Fuck!"

I want to touch him but feel like I shouldn't.

"Okay. So… the whole… blood magic must've done something?" I guess.

"Fuck," he twists as something in his back snaps. "Obviously!"

I don't think I've ever seen him short with anyone, let alone me. I just ignore it for now. The man is clearly in agony. I have questions about his original shape, but, somehow, I sense that would be very inappropriate, so I just look down at the magic on him.

Magnum's magic is a pleasant crimson black that resonates with everything around him. But inside his aura, I sense a nasty coil of the blood magic that I've been trying to dismantle. It is likely the cause of his distress. I should be able to remove it.

"Magnum, hold on," I say firmly and touch his arm gingerly as I reach for the nasty feeling. I clasp onto it, and it cuts into me, but I pull on it regardless. It's latched harshly, but it hasn't quite had the time to settle completely into him. After a moment of debate, I decide to just yank and get it over with.

"One second," I say and infuse my emerald magic into my hand as I pull violently.

Magnum twists and shouts as it comes free and I fling it into the darkness, the sound of it sizzling as it hits lush plants and eats away at them. I grimace and look at Magnum, who rolls over on his side and vomits all over the forest floor. I can't really blame him. That did suck.

After a few long, silent minutes, I clear my throat.

"You, uh… okay?" I ask, worrying my lip.

He coughs and nods, looking at me and I squirm. There's something about his bright, crimson eyes that unnerves me. Usually they're full of laughter, but they're so serious now that it's hard to meet them.

"Yeah. Thanks. I owe you one," he says and looks himself over, shuddering as he puts all his limbs to rights. He sits up gingerly.

"Are you okay?" He asks and looks at me before sighing and shaking his head. "Ruin, your hands."

I shrug.

"It's fine," I say, wishing I could hide them without staining fucking everything. "Come on. We should meet up with the others."

I stand up and he just looks at me cautiously .

"You're not… uh… you don't care that I'm…?" He can't seem to finish the thought, and I'm confused.

"That you're what?" I ask, cocking my head.

He huffs and looks away.

"I, uh, shapeshift. That puts off most people. They think it's… disingenuous."

I shrug, uncomfortable.

"Yes. Well. You can't help it, so… I don't really care, truthfully."

He laughs, but he doesn't sound amused—he sounds surprised.

"Right. Okay. Misjudged that one."

"Which one?" I ask, even more confused.

"Never mind," he shakes his head and stands, swaying a little.

"Shit. You okay?" I reach for him before realizing I might get blood all over him and pull away.

"I'm fine," Magnum says. "Just need to stretch my legs. I haven't shifted in… a long time. Let alone forcefully."

"Yeah. Okay," I say, full of a thousand questions, but asking them right now doesn't seem like it would be helpful, so I just bite my tongue. "I can sense Yaris this way."

I indicate east and he nods.

"Okay. He's probably losing his shit."

"Yeah," I can't hide the blush or grin. "Probably."

Magnum rolls his eyes.

"Whatever. Get going, dragon rider. We have a Fae monarchy to topple."

"I wasn't the one making out with the dirt," I say and nudge him. He laughs at that, and I see the tension drain out of him.

"Fair. But I'd much rather be making out with something else… or maybe someone."

He gives me a look that leaves little to the imagination and then takes the lead as I gape at his back, aghast.

Now's not the time for flirting. Now's the time for… no t being left behind as Magnum plows ahead like a force of nature.

I groan and follow.

When all this is over, he and I are having a very long discussion about shapeshifting and… kissing, I guess.